Galapagos Islands - Installment #6 - Jan 14, 2006

Our last full day was spent at Espanola (Hood) Island, the southeastern-most and oldest island in the archipelago. After a leisurely breakfast at 8 am, we departed to snorkel around Tortuga island just off the coast. The water was crystal clear, the currents were shifting but not too strong as we circled the small island counterclockwise, and the fish were abundant. From there, we were shuttled by zodiacs directly to Gardner Beach on Espanola where we had leisure time to swim, walk the beach with the sea lions or just relax. The pure white sand was cool to the touch as we walked along and the sea lions provided endless entertainment.

Nazca Booby

Oystercatcher

Waved Albatross

Juvenile Waved Albatross

Waved Albatross trying to take off

After lunch back on the ship, we headed out for our last hike at Punta Suarez on the other side of the island. The trail was rocky and uneven throughout but the effort was worth it. In addition to the sea lions, marine iguanas and oystercatchers, we were able to see seven waved albatross including two juveniles. Three of them were in flight. We were lucky to see them as this is the time of the year when they depart at the end of their nesting cycle to spend the next three months at sea before returning to find their mates again in late March.

Nazca booby with chick and egg

Nazca booby with chick

Hawk in flight

Nazca (masked) boobies were everywhere, many with chicks and eggs hidden underneath their plumage. Every nazca booby lays two eggs but only one ever survives with sibling murder playing a role with this species. Given all the young chicks about, there was bound to be a hawk or two lurking about. Yet another afternoon filled with an abundance of wildlife everywhere we turned.

Back on the ship, we toasted our farewell with the crew over cocktails and dinner.